By Sally Janssen
Mental disorders are thought to affect about 20% of the population in developed countries. Psychiatrists are developing a classification of mental symptoms and associated behavior that define mental diseases. The terms we hear most frequently refer to personality disorders, psychoses and another common group termed anxiety disorders.
In defining mental fitness, it could be said that our mental health is determined by an absence of these problems.
Personality disorders
These symptoms are such that the individual in question is unable to lead a normal life, because of eccentric, or mildly compulsive habits and behavior, usually accompanied by extreme shyness or inclination to be unsociable.
Paranoid personality is when a person has developed extreme suspicions and reactions of unwarranted mistrust.
Schizoid personalities are devoid of the capacity or desire for love and social relationships.
Schizotypal disorders are marked by disconnected thought, speech and behavior.
Histrionic personalities have overly dramatic behavior and expression.
Narcissisticpersonalities are self important and need attention and constant admiration.
Anti socialpersonality is one with a history of violating the rights of others and infringing socially accepted rules and norms.
Borderline personality has unstable behavior towards others and changeable moods -usually with a poor self image.
Avoidant personality is hypersensitive to any anticipated or potential rejection, humiliation or personal shame.
Dependent personality is overly passive and reluctant to assume responsibility.
Compulsive personalities are perfectionists and unable to express warm feelings.
Passive aggressive personality displays behavior of quiet resistance to demands by procrastination and dawdling.
Serious Mental Diseases requiring professional treatment include those who have antisocial behavior that has the potential or cause hurt or distress to others. These include the psychopathic personality type, and also those suffering from degrees of psychoses, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, anxiety disorders, manic depression, neuroses, phobias and particularly serious are those than manifest in violence of any kind.
We must be aware of the types of mental diseases that are common in the community but more important it is that we discipline ourselves by following all the rules that result in our personal mental fitness.
Sally Janssen is a writer and educator who from an early age trained in Raja Yoga–that branch of the ancient science that deal with the mind and its complexities. She subsequently gained an international reputation for her skills and her wisdom in the training of the mind.